By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Extension will host its fourth annual Blueberry Field Day on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, Michigan.
This event offers blueberry growers and industry members a chance to see active research trials and learn about the latest findings in production and pest management.
The day will focus on topics such as irrigation practices, disease management, integrated pest management for insects, soil health, and replanting strategies.
Attendees will hear directly from MSU blueberry specialists, campus researchers, and Extension educators, who will present research results and lead hands-on demonstrations.
The program runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch provided. The event will also offer two restricted use pesticide credits, pending approval. While attendance is free, registration is required in advance.
The agenda begins with sign-in at 10 a.m., followed by a welcome and seasonal summary from Cheyenne Sloan of MSU Extension, Nancy Nyquist of the Michigan Farm Bureau, and Chad Reenders of the Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee.
Morning presentations include a session on using Trichogramma wasps for fruitworm control, led by Carlos Garcia-Salazar of MSU Extension. After lunch, field demonstration stations will rotate every 15 minutes, covering:
- Berry sampling for cost savings and quality assurance – Rufus Isaacs, MSU Entomology
- Tips for replanting blueberry fields – Josh Vander Weide, MSU Horticulture
- Blueberry pathology – MSU Miles Lab
- Irrigation evaluation and scheduling – Younsuk Dong, MSU Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
- Using beneficial nematodes for spotted wing drosophila control – Carlos Garcia-Salazar, MSU Extension
- Understanding soil texture – Cheyenne Sloan, MSU Extension
This event is designed to connect blueberry growers with the latest research-based strategies to improve productivity and sustainability in Michigan’s blueberry industry.
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle